GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––NAIAS, otherwise known as the North American International Auto Show is held in Detroit every year in January. Major automotive OEM brands, special parts or engine providers, along with luxury and supercar manufacturers all have a spot on the Cobo Center arena floor to showcase their latest and greatest products. Honda has been there for the past few years, taking home titles like North American Car of the Year for the Honda Civic in 2016, North American Truck of the Year for the Honda Ridgeline in 2017, and this year, North American Car of the Year for the 2018 Accord. If you didn't get a chance to see what was on the floor this year, but still want to see what's new with Honda, here are the cars from NAIAS that you can find at RiverTown Honda.

This all-new redesigned mid-size Accord sedan has been dominating the market for 41 years, and now, more than ever, automotive news. The 2018 model has been a hit among the industry since it's announcement and release, and even more recently due to its big win at NAIAS. Even better, you can find a wide selection of 2018 Accords at RiverTown Honda. We've had the 1.5T models since their release, but now have 2.0T models as well! Either way, you'll discover a luxurious interior packed with modern amenities for a surprisingly affordable price.



Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

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GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Happy New Year from the entire team at RiverTown Honda. We're kicking off 2018 with great news from Honda! It's always exciting to hear about increases sales, not just at our dealership, but nation wide. It shows that the brand is doing well and that the brand's vehicles are in high demand by a large number of consumers for their quality, affordability, and overall appeal. This time, the increase is substantial. Honda has recorded a best-ever December and has broken the all-time annual record for Honda and Acura vehicles!


Honda has posted an all-time annual sales record for the third year in a row, which included sales of 1,486,827 units from the Honda division  - that's 10,245 units more than last year. The trucks category, including all SUV models and the Ridgeline pickup, posted sales of 734,269 for the year. The success of the trucks category with help from the Pilot, CR-V, and HR-V.

The Pilot, now produced in Alabama, jumped 5.4% year-over-year this December. The CR-V, also produced in the United States at three different plant locations, also jumped 5.8% year-over-year with 377,895 units sold. The CR-V is undoubtedly Honda's best-selling model, and a marvel in the compact SUV category. The 2018 CR-V was named Motor Trend's SUV this year. Aside from the Odyssey, which fell from last year's big launch, every light truck model saw an increase in sales this year. The Ridgeline in particular gained a stunning 46.8%, with a total of 34,749 units sold.

While cars saw a year-over-year decline throughout the U.S. market, across almost all manufacturers, Honda continued to post good numbers in 2017. The release of the all-new 2018 Accord has been going well, and should see a jump when the 2.0T engine model is brought to dealerships, but the Civic is the real star of the show. The Honda Civic, posted a best-ever annual record of 377,286 units - that's 10,359 more units sold than last year, equaling a 2.8% increase year-over-year. Aside from the brand new Clarity, the Civic was the only sedan to post an increase for 2017.

Check out the numbers for yourself:


"2017 was a terrific year for the Honda brand with the continued fortification of our light truck and passenger car lineups, and a new generation of electrified vehicles combining to reach a record number of new customers for a fourth consecutive year," said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of the Automobile Division & general manager of Honda Sales. "Eight all-new or refreshed product launches is an impressive achievement for any car company, but it put us in a strong, competitive position to maintain our unique commitment to retail sales to individual buyers."

At RiverTown Honda, we really feel like we're starting of the New Year right with a lineup of incredible, heavily-awarded, and best-selling vehicles from a brand that's committed to offering consumers the most bang for their buck. We're also continuing our never-ending resolution: to provide our customers the best dealership experience of their lives! We don't just say that, we actually mean it, and we'd love to show you the RiverTown Honda difference at our dealership in Grandville- just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. You won't just find a great selection of new Hondas, including the 2018 Honda CR-V and 2018 Honda Civic, but a team of helpful, understanding, and welcoming sales, service, and finance people that care about you beyond the dealership. Please let us know how we can assist you in your search for a new or used vehicle this year!

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––Tis' the season to enjoy sweets! Without a doubt, there will be cookies, cakes, pies, and candy galore, because it's the Holiday season. We all love to give each other the gift of a treat, but sometimes the classics can become a bit stale. Even if you're crazy about gingerbread cookies, or even fruit cake, it's fun to mix it up. See some of the unique ideas we compiled below and give these non-classic sweet treats a try this season!

Reindeer Bait 

Oreo Cheesecake Fudge

No-Bake Avalanche Popcorn "Cookie" Treats 

Chocolate Dipped Potato Chips 

Gingerbread Oreo Truffles

Egg Nog Tres Leches Cake 

Christmas Brownie Rice Krispie Treats

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––If you know of a 16 year old that will soon be looking for a new car, make sure to recommend the reliable crossover Honda CR-V! The 2017 Honda CR-V was recently awarded "Best New Car for Teens" by U.S. News & World Report in the SUV and Crossover category, but why? Because of its immense offering of safety features, perfect for someone still trying to master the road. Let's take a look at what a Honda CR-V has to offer for teens:

1. The Honda Sensing Suite

This suite is a package of advanced safety and driver assistive features including: Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow, Road Departure Warning, and Forward Collision Warning. These Honda Sensing Suite features would not only help prevent an accident, but help your new driver develop better driving habits.

2. ACE Body Structure

The 2017 Honda CR-V includes something called an ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) Body Structure. This is Honda's exclusive body structure, built specifically to better distribute collision energy and better protect the driver and passengers inside the vehicle. While you never want to even think of your teen in a collision, it's good to have peace of mind that they would be better protected with the ACE Body.

3. Real Time AWD

This feature is perfect for teens in Michigan! With the wet, slushy, often snowy roads we get in West Michigan, it's good to know there's a feature that will kick-in when new drivers are still learning how to navigate certain conditions. Real Time AWD will enable when slippery road conditions are detected, giving your teen better traction when it's needed.

4. Convenience Features

The remote engine start, and USB charging ports may seem like features a teen shouldn't expect in their first cars, but can come in handy in certain situations. The remote engine start might help your teen get through the winter by allowing them a clear windshield by the time they leave, or can help get them moving quicker in a situation they don't feel safe in. USB ports will allow your teens to charge their phones so they can stay in touch with you wherever they go. These are things you'll want to consider when looking for a new car!

5. Reliability 

If you haven't heard by now, Hondas are known for being particularly reliable. They not only last a long time, but they just seem to have little mechanical problems across the life of the vehicle. Teaching your teen routine maintenance habits and how to properly care for the vehicle is an even better way to achieve reliability in any car they own!


If you read this thinking "Wow, isn't a 2017 Honda CR-V too new for a teen driver?". Even though the 2017 Honda CR-V was just awarded the Best New Car for Teens, you might be more interested in taking a look at used CR-Vs or Certified Pre-Owned CR-Vs which can offer the same reliability of a new CR-V! You could also consider purchasing or leasing a 2017 CR-V for yourself and using it as a tool while your teen is learning to drive. We have options for every sort of budget at RiverTown Honda, and would be happy to help you find a great, safe, reliable vehicle for you or your teen within your budget. You'll be glad to know, we're not your typical dealership and break most of the stereotypes in the industry. Take a look at our website to learn more about what makes the RiverTown Honda experience so unique!


Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube

The 2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring.

Nine years ago, when I was launching TireKicker, small SUVs were just starting to catch on.  They had a nickname: "Cute-Utes".  And, if that sounds somewhat dismissive, well, I guess it was.  It suggested that they weren't really up to the task that, in those days, we assigned to Ford Explorers and Chevy Tahoes.

What a difference nine-tenths of a decade makes.  The landscape has changed so much that not only is the Honda CR-V outselling Explorers and Tahoes, it is, for the year so far, the fifth-best selling vehicle in the USA.

2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring.

And it's a much bigger deal than that.  The CR-V is the best selling Honda, period.

Oh, heck. It's bigger than even that. If it weren't for the 2,079 additional Nissan Rogues that have found homes this year, the CR-V would be the best-selling vehicle in America that isn't a pickup truck.   If its name isn't F-150, Silverado, RAM or Rogue, the CR-V outsells it.

Fact of the matter is, the CR-V is very, very good.  And the all-new 2017 CR-V is the best one yet.  The first part is addition through subtraction.  Last year's 2.4-liter four is history, replaced by a 1.5-liter turbocharged unit that makes 190 horsepower compared to last year's 185, and that the EPA estimates will squeeze 27 miles out of every gallon of gasoline in the city and 33 on the highway (last year's numbers were 25/31).

Its road manners are impeccable.  During the heat wave that  just ended here in the Sacramento area, Mrs. TireKicker and I jumped in the CR-V on impulse and drove the 85 miles from our home to the California/Nevada state line at South Lake Tahoe.  That includes some winding two-lane roads and the 7,382-foot Echo Summit just before dropping into the Tahoe Basin.  The CR-V never put a foot wrong and its creature comforts never left me wanting a different car.

Beyond that, and I realize this is subjective, it's the best-looking CR-V yet.  The proportions are finally just right, and in contrast to what seems to be the latest in the historical cycle of Japanese styling excess, it's clean and unfussy.

2017 Honda CR-V AWD Touring interior.

Our tester was the top-of-the-line all-wheel-drive Touring model.  $33,695 and in true Honda fashion, no options. With $900 added for destination and handling, a bottom line of $34,595.  And that buys you this:

• Real-time AWD with intelligent control system.
• Front and rear stabilizer bars.
• Four-wheel antilock disc brakes.
• Electronic brakeforce distribution.
• Vehicle stability assist.
• Brake assist.
• Tire pressure monitoring.
• LED daytime running lights.
• Leather-trimmed seats.
• Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel.
• Nine-speaker premium audio system.
• Seven-inch color touchscreen.
• Rear cross-traffic monitor.
• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
• Pushbutton start.
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with air filtration.
• 12-way power driver's seat.
• Four-way power passenger's seat.
• Heated front seats.
• Rear console vents.
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
• Power windows and door locks.
• Lighted vanity mirrors.
• HomeLink.
• Electronic parking brake.
• Power moonroof.
• 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Automatic on-off headlights.
• LED headlights and taillights.
• Fog lights.
• Variable intermittent rain-sensing windshield wipers.
• Blind spot information system.
• Heated power door mirrors with turn signals.
• Hands-free power tailgate,
• Remote engine start.
• Smart entry.
• Security system.
• Walk-away auto locking.
• Capless fuel filler.
• Roof rails.
• Dual chrome exhaust finishers.
• Active cruise control with low-speed follow.
• Collision mitigation braking.
• Forward collision warning.
• Lane departure warning.
• Lane keeping assist system.
• Road departure mitigation.

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––The market is changing, and we're glad to say Honda has been keeping graceful stride with the change! SUVs have become the high stakes player in the sales game, while car sales have respectively taken a dive. This change has lead to reports of very steep decreases in car sales and overall sales with other manufacturers. In instance, Ford reported a decrease of 21/2% in car sales.

Despite the slight overall decrease, American Honda's truck division increased in sales by 9.2% year-over-year, leading to a 1.2% increase year-over-year. Let's take a look at the Honda April Sales Report in more detail!

Honda thankfully still saw strong demand for their cars in April, unlike many other manufacturers, despite the drop in year-over-year numbers. The one Honda car that posted an increase? The Honda Fit, which increased by 0.8% with a total of 4,871 units.

Honda also saw strong demand for their trucks. The CR-V posted a year-over-year increase of 26.6% and a month-to-month increase of 13%, which might be thanks to the redesigned 2017 model. The Ridgeline also helped the segment increase overall by posting sales of 3,186 units. Not to mention the HR-V, which posted a month-to-month increase of 22.4%, the Odyssey and Pilot which helped the truck division reach overall sales of 61,114 units!